Heart attacks are increasingly occurring in young individuals at a concerning rate compared to previous years. This rise is particularly noticeable among those aged 18-44, even in individuals who appear to lead healthy lifestyles with regular exercise routines and good fitness levels. Various health experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and stress. Cardiologists emphasize that signs of a heart attack can manifest hours, days, or even weeks before the actual event, yet many people may overlook these indicators as symptoms of other health conditions. For instance, neck and shoulder pain are not commonly associated with heart attacks, nor are symptoms like nausea and stomach discomfort. Early warning signs could include shooting pain in the arm or jaw, which may differ from the classic symptoms of chest pain, heaviness, or tightness. Recognizing these signs early on provides an opportunity to address the issue before it becomes critical.
According to a report in DailyMail, lesser-known early warning signs of heart attacks can occur in young and extremely fit individuals weeks before the event. For instance, heightened sweating and shortness of breath without exertion could be indicators of an impending heart attack. Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York, warns that excessive sweating and waking up drenched in sweat could be early signs of a heart attack. Additionally, pain in the neck and shoulders, particularly prevalent in women who may not experience classic chest pain, could be an indication of an approaching heart attack. Other symptoms to watch out for include fatigue, nausea, and increased sweating.Management before or during a heart attack that may be mistaken for heartburn or acidity. If you are feeling abnormally tired without physical exertion, it is important to take note and consult your cardiologist, as stated in the BMJ journal.
Chest discomfort: Feeling heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, distinct from pain, is sometimes disregarded as a muscle strain.
Pain in arm: Individuals might experience severe shooting pain in the arm that is unbearable. Jaw pain can also indicate a looming heart attack.
According to DailyMail, there has been a noticeable increase in heart attacks among young individuals. In 2019, approximately 0.3% of Americans between 18 and 44 years old had a heart attack, but this percentage rose to 0.5% in the following year, representing a 66% increase over just four years. The data reveals that one in five heart attack patients is now under 40 years old. Experts stress the importance of managing risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Those with a history of chronic illnesses should be particularly cautious with their diet and refrain from alcohol and smoking.
What causes heart attacks in physically fit individuals?
